The Communicator's Commentary

Doug Stuart, true to his consistent scholarly skill, crafts a fine blend of solid scholarship with a pastor-teacher's heart. This commentary on Ezekiel concisely extracts the cultural, historical, linguistic and practical elements from the prophet's message. Stuart divides the prophetic book into twenty-six larger sections, some with skillful titles suitable for a popular audience. Within the outline, a more detailed analysis of the book is constructed which draws on the riches of the Hebrew Bible. The commentator moves beyond exegesis, however, and offers insights into the theological themes which dominate Ezekiel's prophecy and belong to the wider message of the Bible. To the teacher and the preacher, this sort of consideration is invaluable. The student who reads Stuart's writings discovers a scholar who walks the talk in his scholarship. It was my privilege to be taught by Dr. Stuart back in the 70's; his writings echo his style and care of handling the biblical text. I can almost hear his voice behind some the comments, as he would often pause in the middle of some contextual dissertation and remind all of us how to make use of this material in the sanctuary or the classroom. He does the same in this commentary on Ezekiel, and I highly commend it. Robert Ismon Brown Adult Education Director First Church of the Nazarene, Lemont, Illinois

It gives a good grasp on the old testament period between the first deportation and the second deportation of Isreal to Babylon. It gives a good understanding of the people and culture at that time.